Monday, October 10, 2005


I am working .......

........ being with humans who cannot do anything else other than leak fragility is hard hitting. But it is far less hard work than being with humans who have a front of being 'together' and 'stable' - when really they are hurting just like .......... ......... me!

I consider that we all have the wonders of vulnerability and yet so many hide behind the mask of the day.
Don't we?

Being with those who are often tagged as 'special needs' can be tense and explosive. Feelings can come to the surface quickly and sometimes violently.
All can be settled in a group and I can be working the climate of trust so all can relax. From that base we develop an openness and a trust which becomes a developmental environment. Sharing from their experiences, in that climate, can be the greatest University of Life. No need to teach or educate. It is all there present in human forms, and always a spiritual dimension.

Then one new person can wander in and join the circle - the vibe changes - the niggles start and before long there can be a scuffle of aggression - or maybe violence. Others slink away. Others mentally withdraw. The moment of wonder is lost and all go defensive ............

Later or another time, I build informal contact and relationships which will bring them back into the group setting ............ they are taking risks for their own development. A major step. Rather than retreat into themselves - the alcohol - the drugs - the mental stress - aloneness ......... they are brave because they know they need to get from behind their defences/masks/destructive relationships ............ and change ......


My heart is transformed by the smile of trust given by some people who are terribly fragile and weak. They call forth new energies from me. They seem to break down barriers and bring me a new freedom.
It is the same with the smile of a child: even the hardest heart can’t resist. Contact with people who are weak and who are crying out...is one of the most important nourishments in our lives. When we let ourselves be really touched by the gift of their presence, they leave something precious in our hearts.

As long as we remain at the level of “doing” things for people, we tend to stay behind our barriers of superiority. We ought to welcome the gift of the poor with open hands. Jesus says, “What you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.”

Jean Vanier

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